Orwell Lake

How big is Orwell Lake?

How deep is Orwell Lake?

What kind of fish can you catch in Orwell Lake?

Are there boat launches on Orwell Lake?

Are there places to eat and drink near Orwell Lake?

What aquatic invasive species are found in Orwell Lake?

Orwell Reservoir is a United States Army Corps of Engineers flood control impoundment. It is located approximately 8 miles southwest of Fergus Falls, MN in Otter Tail County. Construction of the dam on the Otter Tail River was completed in 1952, and the reservoir encompasses 782-acres at normal pool. Because the main purpose of the reservoir is flood control, water levels are seasonally fluctuated to maximize storage during periods of high water. This fluctuation has several negative impacts on the reservoir and the resident fish community. Riparian vegetation has not been able to establish due to periodic inundation. This has resulted in severe shoreline erosion. Eroded material is suspended in the water, increasing turbidity. The increased turbidity, as well as fluctuating water levels, have prevented the establishment of submerged vegetation important to many fish species. Fluctuating water levels also negatively impact the spawning success of some fish species. Changes to the reservoir operating plan in 1986, which required more stable water level management, have improved fishery conditions, but the fishery will not reach full potential as long as flood control is the primary function of the reservoir.
The entire shoreline of Orwell Reservoir is owned by the state of Minnesota. The immediate watershed is composed primarily of agricultural land. The Corps of Engineers maintains a public water access on the north shoreline off of County Road 114.
Presently, there are quality populations of black crappie, walleye, smallmouth bass, and channel catfish in the reservoir, along with moderate numbers of bluegill, largemouth bass, and northern pike. The reservoir also contains moderate to high numbers of several rough-fish species.
Walleye is a primary management specie in Orwell Reservoir. Walleye ranged in length from 6.9 to 21.7 inches with an average length and weight of 14.1 inches and 1.0 pounds. Walleyes attain an average length of 12.1 inches at three years of age.
Channel catfish ranged in length from 6.6 to 25.3 inches with an average length and weight of 17.0 inches and 1.8 pounds. The 2005 year class appears to be strong as it composed a majority of the sample. Catfish attain an average length of 13.1 inches at four years of age.
Catch data from a spring trapnetting assessment indicate that the black crappie population is very abundant. Age data indicate that black crappie reproduction is consistently good. Black crappies ranged in length from 4.1 to 14.3 inches with an average length and weight of 10.1 inches and 0.7 pounds. Fifty percent of the crappies were 10.0 inches or greater in length. Crappies attain an average length of 11.0 inches at four years of age.
Anglers can maintain or improve the quality of fishing for all species of fish in Orwell Reservoir by practicing selective harvest. Selective harvest encourages the release of medium to large-size fish while allowing the harvest of the more abundant smaller fish for table fare. Releasing the medium to large fish will ensure that the lake will have enough spawning age fish on an annual basis and will provide anglers with opportunities to catch more large fish in the future.
Zebra mussels, which are an invasive species, have been found in the Pelican River watershed. The Pelican River enters the Otter Tail River and eventually flows into Orwell Reservoir. At this time no zebra mussels have been found in the Otter Tail River System. Orwell Reservoir is not listed as infested water, but special precautions should be taken when entering and leaving the waterbody.

What is the average air temp for Orwell Lake?

Are there any state parks near Orwell Lake?